Advancing a model of cyber security education through PPPs and cooperation

The European Cyber Security Month (ECSM) is an EU advocacy campaign that promotes cyber security among citizens and advocates seeking to change the perception of cyber-threats by promoting education, sharing of good practices and competitions in data and information security. The European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA), the European Commission DG Connect and Partners have been deploying the ECSM each October for the last 4 years (Graphic Overview).

In total 242 activities were encoded in the official calendar from public and private stakeholders in 32 countries. The NIS Education Map registered an increase of courses, with 417 courses currently in 22 countries.

The outreach on social media on the 1st of October alone, was 718,967 accounts reached. Number of visitors for www.cybersecuritymonth.eu peaked in October with 52,574 page views, with 71% corresponding to new visitors from all around Europe.

Numerous trainings for multipliers and online calls for coordinators were supported by ENISA.

The kick-off event had a global partnership organized in the presence of ITU Secretary General, general deployment with partners from the United States (such as NCSAM and DHS), and coordinators from Member States, all supported by ENISA and European Commission DG Connect.

Conclusions derived from the 2015 edition:

Member States and EU partner countries are interested in working in partnership for cyber security education. The number of countries involved shows a tendency for steady growth. There is however work to be done in order to increase the content distribution and content co-ownership between Member States’ Organisations with the support of ENISA.

The European Commission, and other EU bodies such as EESC and Agencies continue to get involved and maintain their participation at high level. The campaign created a good environment for European but also international cooperation for cyber security PPPs (Public-Private partnerships).

The community building process around the campaign is an important win. The European Commission, Member States and ENISA may choose to further develop this dimension and extend its use to content distribution on cyber security education and more.

Advance planning

Today, the Agency together with several MSs Coordinators and network of multipliers announces the planning for 2016.

The European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) is a centre of expertise for cyber security in Europe.

ENISA is contributing to a high level of network and information security (NIS) within the European Union, by developing and promoting a culture of NIS in society to assist in the proper functioning of the internal market.